Short hops and hard knocks with Red Sox beat writer Ian Browne.

Atchison on team; Tazawa to undergo Tommy John

Manager Terry Francona informed righty reliever Scott Atchison this morning that he is on the team. It is a feel-good story of sorts, as Atchision returned to the U.S. after pitching the last two years in Japan, hoping he’d be able to win a spot in the Majors.

The final spot on the roster is between lefty reliever Scott Schoeneweis — who will pitch today — and righty Joe Nelson. Either way, Nelson will travel with the team to Washington. The Red Sox are hoping to have a better read on Schoeneweis by the end of the day.

Alan Embree, the club has determined, is not ready for Opening Day. They’ve asked the lefty to pitch on a rehab program, which would consist of several outings in the Minors. Embree is going to mull it over and talk to his family. He has an opt-out clause in his contract on April 15.

And Junichi Tazawa, the Japanese prospect, will undergo Tommy John ligament transfer surgery on his elbow. Tazawa will be operated on by the renowned Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. on Tuesday. The righty won’t pitch at all this season, but given the normal time-table of Tommy John recovery, he could be ready by the early portion of the 2011 season.

We have to be pleased with Lackey’s ST performance although we can’t read too much into it. Just have a gut feeling that Lackey could be the difference this year.
Where is Julio? Last time I look he is with the Oreos. Watch out Julio can have a game winning hit against the Sox someday when Dave is watching the game.

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